Basic Yoga Poses (Asanas)

In most forms of Yoga there are three components to the practice; breathing, concentration and physical poses also known as asanas. The two poses below are the most common asanas used in Western Yoga practice today.

Padma-Asana: Probably the most famous and well-known pose; the Padma-asana is referred to as the Lotus Position. The root of the words to this pose mean to "bend", and "snake". Think of it as the maneuvering of the body into a position that requires the flexibility and smoothness of a snake.

To practice this pose, sit down and place the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh. The soles of the feet should be facing towards the sky. Next, the palms of the hands are also turned toward the sky and placed on the corresponding thigh. It is a difficult pose to retain for long periods of time if the body is not properly conditioned. It is therefore paramount to begin with short periods and work into a longer time frame.

Sirsha-Asana: The Headstand Pose. The benefits of the notorious head stand pose are to increase the physical and mental health of the person practicing it. The pose encourages balance and stability on the physical level and mental acuity on the intellectual level. Additionally, it improves blood flow throughout the body and helps to decrease tension and stress in the lower limbs.

To practice this pose, begin in a kneeling position. Lean forward to place the arms, from hands to elbows, flat on the floor, and interlock the fingers of both hands. The head should be placed between the hands, flat on the floor. Push up from the kneeling position on the tips of the toes keeping head on the floor. Slowly bring the legs into an extended, upright hand stand position, keeping the entire body aligned, straight and balanced. Special breathing techniques are also employed during this pose which enhances the overall effect of the asana.

Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com, a health related portal.

---

Eight Amazing Benefits of Teaching Yoga

Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, but the... Read More

How to Find the Right Yoga Teacher?

I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate... Read More

Yoga and True Self

The great sage Patanjali in his work Yogasutra codified all... Read More

The Mystery of Enlightenment

Initially, enlightenment is living in the present moment and accepting... Read More

Understanding the Different Types of Yoga

Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in... Read More

The Benefit of Yoga

The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual... Read More

Don?t Focus on Failure

Internal defeat is a state of mind, where you begin... Read More

Yoga and Weight Training ? Never the Twain Shall Meet?

Yoga has become part of Western fitness training techniques. However,... Read More

How to Find the Right Yoga Class For You

There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis... Read More

Yogic Way of Controlling of Thoughts

As described in my earlier article... thoughts in the mind... Read More

Yoga Instruction - How to Find the Right Yoga Teacher for You

In order to find a quality yoga instructor, you need... Read More

Yoga Your Way To A Happy Vacation

Yoga Your Way To A Happy VacationThere have been many... Read More

Yoga is Self Improvement

After five thousand years of written documentation, Yoga may well... Read More

Paths of Yoga I

With dozens of Hollywood celebrities following in their Guru's lotus... Read More

Yoga for Relaxation

Discover the true meaning of yoga?In taking any modern yoga... Read More

A World of Infinite Opportunities

Many people feel that there is a limited amount of... Read More

Are You Willing To Follow Eight Yoga Exercises For the Lower Back?

EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best... Read More

Yoga and Low Carb Diets

Yoga is an ancient system of movement designed to generate... Read More

What is Patanjalis Ashtanga Yoga?- Part(I)

The Sanskrit word 'Yoga' has two meaning, because it is... Read More

Basic Yoga Poses (Asanas)

In most forms of Yoga there are three components to... Read More

Mind and Thoughts

Yoga is controlling of thoughts arising in the mind. When... Read More

Yoga and Meditation - That Leads to Gaining Enlightenment in this Life?

Every process of Yoga... neigh Meditation that frees us from... Read More

Ayurveda and Yoga, Ancient Sister Sciences

Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences that have been united... Read More

This is Not Your Grandma?s Rocking Chair

Senior Yoga / Chair YogaIs it possible that grandparents are... Read More

Yoga in the Office

Spending eight or more hours a day in an office... Read More

What is Self Mastery? - Part 1

Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if... Read More

Maybe Bikram is Right?

For some reason, I had the time to sit down... Read More

Yoga Position ? What Does Each Type Do?

I often wondered what the value of each type of... Read More

Can a Yoga Prop Help Prop Up Your Practice?

Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can... Read More

Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals ? Part 2

At this point, let's break down the major components of... Read More

Some Tantric Exercises to Increase General Well-Being and Sexual Abilities

A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance... Read More

Eating Disorders And The Use Of Yoga In Prevention And Treatment

It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such... Read More

Muscle Fitness ? Can Yoga Make You Stronger?

Many people wonder if yoga can improve their muscle fitness.... Read More